Jail officer charged in inmate's beating

Guard attacked victim with aid of two other prisoners, sheriff says

Updated 10:52 pm, Friday, March 8, 2013

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The Albany County sheriff?s office reports the arrest of Correction Officer Craig S. Strizzi, a 15 year veteran of the sheriff?s office. The arrest stems from an alleged assault against an inmate incarcerated at the county correctional facility on March 6. less

The Albany County sheriff?s office reports the arrest of Correction Officer Craig S. Strizzi, a 15 year veteran of the sheriff?s office. The arrest stems from an alleged assault against an inmate incarcerated ... more

Jail officer charged in inmate's beating

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COLONIE – An Albany County correction officer was arrested on Friday for allegedly battering an inmate after the two "had words," Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple said.

A complaint also charges Craig S. Strizzi, a 15-year veteran, conspired with two inmates at Albany County jail in the assault on Wednesday.

Apple said Strizzi grabbed the victim as he left the jail recreational yard, thrust him against a wall and held him as inmates Matthew J. Chan, 34, and Lauterio Santos, 46, repeatedly punched the victim in the head and body.

The victim was thrown to the ground and all three men beat him. Jail cameras captured the incident, which lasted under a minute. The victim suffered black eyes, cuts and bruises, Apple said.

"He's pretty beat up," said Apple. "It was a violent attack."

Apple said Strizzi claimed the inmate had made "wise comments and gestures" to him earlier in the day. He then sought help from Chan and Santos in exacting revenge for the exchange.

After the assault, Strizzi called for backup, claiming that the victim had first thrown a punch at him, forcing him to defend himself as Chan and Santos rushed to his assistance.

The victim, who was housed with special restrictions, had been out for recreation at a time when other inmates on the floor were locked in their cells.

Chan and Santos were both "runners" at the jail, inmates who are given tasks such as mopping and food service and have more free time and privileges than other inmates.

Apple said Strizzi was arrested after the assault was discovered when video footage of the incident was reviewed as part of a routine follow-up.

Strizzi was charged with first-degree unlawful imprisonment, a felony; third-degree assault, official misconduct, conspiracy and making a punishable false written statement, among other things. He was suspended without pay by Apple.

"An incident like this casts a shadow over all our men and women at that facility," Apple said. "It really is disappointing."

Strizzi does not have a history of other incidents at the jail, Apple said.

Criminal charges against Chan and Santos are expected early next week.

Strizzi was arraigned in Colonie Justice Court on Friday and released on $7,500 bail.